In Bulgaria and Romania, sunflower and corn yields have significantly decreased, wheat is the “best in decades”

Sunflower yields in Bulgaria fell to 1.55 t/ha, while in Romania farmers expect 1.45 t/ha. Compared to the previous year, which also suffered to some extent from drought, yields fell by 16.2% for Bulgaria and 32.5% for Romania. Against the 5-year average yield, respectively, by 29% and 34.7% less, Agroportal.bg reported.

In Bulgaria, corn yields fell even more sharply, as this crop is less resistant to water shortages, and most of it is not irrigated in the region as a whole. Analysts estimate the yield in Bulgaria at 3.45 t/ha, which is 22.5% less than last year and 38% less than the 5-year average. Similarly, the corn yield in Romania is estimated at 3.5 t/ha, which is 22% less than in 2023 and 19% less than the 5-year average.

“Although the hot weather significantly reduced the yield of both crops, it also led to an increase in aflatoxins in corn. The extreme heat and dryness created ideal conditions for the development of toxins. But the situation is not clear, and the degree of toxins differs from field to field, depending on the stage of development of the crops when the heat wave hit. It is difficult to assess the overall quality. This makes it more difficult for traders to make the right decisions, and sales to ‘picky’ countries such as Malta are largely suspended,” the report says.

The situation is not limited to Bulgaria and Romania – other Balkan countries have similar problems, and this will inevitably cause some tension and volatility in the markets. Sunflower seeds have a lower oil content – most offers are 41-42%, and this, together with the lowest production in more than 15 years (Bulgaria), will have a significant impact on crushers.

At the same time, the quality of wheat and barley in Romania and Bulgaria is good this year, analysts say. About 70-75% of wheat is of the best quality in recent decades.

“This will allow the region to become a reliable exporter of wheat and increase the importance of the Balkans, especially now that production and quality in the Western EU are very low and their traditional buyers are looking for grain elsewhere,” Agroportal.bg added.

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Tags: Bulgaria, corn, Romania, wheat, sunseed